Predictive factors for noncompliance with follow-up among women treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

The aim of this study was to explore the magnitude and causes of noncompliance with follow-up after cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treatment. Women who were treated by large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) for CIN between January 1994 and June 1996 were enrolled. Women who kept all their appointments were grouped as compliant. To the noncompliant group belonged those women who missed at least two follow-up appointments during the first year of follow-up. Seventy-four of 141 women (52.5%) who were treated for CIN were noncompliant. Fifty women from each group were then evaluated. Demographic, social and contraceptive parameters were found to be similar between the groups. The noncompliant group had a nonsignificant trend towards having had only elementary education, undergoing surgery in the past, additional diseases, taking chronic medications and having diseases in the family. We conclude that noncompliance with follow-up after treatment of CIN by LLETZ may be much higher than expected. Noncompliant patients do not have any significantly defined characteristics.